Army engineers rescue teenage girl from suicide attempt

The Engineer Support “Achievers” Battalion (ESBn) under the 53rd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army rescued a 17-year old girl who climbed and attempted to jump on a 100-meter communication tower at Medellin, Cebu on Sept. 27, 2019.

ARMY photo

SSgt. Cesar Amatong, a well-trained soldier on high angle rope rescue, climbed the communication tower. After three hours of persistent effort of the responders, the teenage girl was brought to safety.

The teenage girl, a resident of Medellin, Cebu, has family problems that prompted her to end her life. At about 6:30 in the morning, a concerned citizen reported the incident to the ESBn troops based in Northern Cebu. A rescue team led by 1Lt. Eljuhn Aboc and accompanied by the Medellin Rescue Unit, immediately responded to the incident.

Witnesses of the rescue operation took to social media their appreciation of the responders’ heroic act.

“We appreciate that the Cebuanos saw our troops as reliable responders in this incident. We welcome their support and willingness to report their concerns on citizen safety and security, especially when it comes to insurgency. Your troops are always ready to respond and save lives,” said Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala, Army spokesperson. PHILIPPINE ARMY